Birchwood Community High School was honoured with ‘Leadership Team of the Year’ at the Educate Awards on Friday, 15 November.
Birchwood Community High School has faced significant loss and trauma with the tragic murder of Year 11 student Brianna Ghey in February 2023 and the heartbreaking loss of another student to suicide in August 2023. Through these incredibly challenging times, the senior leadership team has demonstrated unwavering resilience, ensuring the school remains a place of safety, support, and compassion.
Judges were particularly impressed by the extensive emotional support the leadership team provided to students, staff, and families. This included external counselling services, remembrance events, and valuable resources designed to help the community navigate their grief. The team carefully managed challenging situations, from handling media attention to supporting Brianna’s classmates during their GCSE exams, all while continuing to steer the school forward.
In response to these tragedies, the school has launched new mental health initiatives, including ‘Time to Talk’ sessions, mindfulness coaching, and mentoring programs, with a special focus on Year 11 students, who were deeply impacted by the loss of their peers.
The judging panel commented: “Strength and resilience were shown in the face of extreme adversity. The proactive senior leadership team supported Birchwood and the wider community, implementing measures to safeguard and protect those affected by tragic events. Their resolute leadership addressed needs during widely known, traumatic circumstances.”
Now in its thirteenth year, the Educate Awards features 21 diverse categories and shines a spotlight on all aspects of education from sports and arts to literacy and the environment.
The shortlist recognises inspiring teachers, dedicated support staff and strategic leadership teams who continue to make a meaningful difference in their communities.
As the largest and most prestigious education awards in the region, the Educate Awards brings together schools, colleges and multi academy trusts from Merseyside, Cheshire, Lancashire, and Greater Manchester for a night of celebration and recognition.
In partnership with ASL Group, the glittering ceremony took place at the Liverpool Cathedral and welcomed over 600 guests. The evening was hosted by broadcaster, Simon ‘Rossie’ Ross.
Alongside the awards ceremony was a delicious three-course gala dinner and dazzling entertainment from the region’s schools. Providing a soundtrack during the reception was St John Bosco Arts College with an incredible DJ set, followed by a soulful rendition of Heather Small’s iconic hit ‘Proud’ by its gospel choir. Later, after the call for dinner, the choir joined a larger ensemble in the cathedral’s main space to deliver a breathtaking performance of Emilie Sandé’s ‘Shine’.
During dinner, Sandbach School’s Big Band played two fantastic jazz tracks, ‘Bésame Mucho’ by Consuelo Velázquez and ‘I’ve Got The World On A String’ by Frank Sinatra.
Bringing an end to the evening’s entertainment was LIPA Sixth Form College which delivered a stella performance of ‘I’m Just Ken’ from the Barbie soundtrack, including a rendition of ‘Dance The Night’ by Dua Lipa.
Kim O’Brien, founder of the Educate Awards, said: “Congratulations to Birchwood Community High School on its win at this year’s Educate Awards – judges were particularly moved by this entry and the incredible resilience shown during such a challenging time for the school.
“A huge well done to the runners-up and finalists and thank you to everyone who took the time to enter. The results were incredibly close, and judges had their work cut out deciding not only the shortlist but also overall the winners.”
Kim added: “The Educate Awards is proud to be shining a spotlight on the region’s schools and colleges, and celebrating the amazing work taking place inside and outside of the classroom. Entries will for 2025 will open in February and we encourage all types of schools, colleges and multi academy trusts to submit entries.”
Associate sponsors of the Educate Awards 2024 include: All About STEM, Angel Solutions, CER Education, CPMM Media Group, EdenFiftyOne™, Fresh Start Waste Services, Liverpool City Region Combined Authority Careers Hub, Liverpool John Moore’s University, LSSP, Satis Education, SENDSCOPE, and SupplyWell.
